Nick Holden

The Rangers needed some fresh air on their blue line, and they got it on the cheap this offseason by sending a fourth-round pick to the Avalanche for Holden. A 10-goal scorer two years ago, Holden managed just six goals and 22 points while averaging a career-high 21:53 of ic...

Holden celebrated a successful rookie season by signing a new three-year contract worth $4.95 million with the Avs. A seemingly late bloomer, the 27-year-old put up a respectable 10 goals, 25 points and a plus-12 rating during a franchise-record 52-win season for the Avalanche. His goals and plus-minus were both second among Colorado rearguards, while his 25 points were good for fourth behind Erik Johnson, Tyson Barrie and the departed Andre Benoit -- albeit in just 54 games. As most players enter their prime around Holden's age, it's safe to bet on him increasing his overall production in 2014-15, especially since the soon-to-be sophomore will be afforded a nice cushion behind more potent offensive threats in Johnson and Barrie, who will be primarily counted on to carry the offensive load from the back end. With that in mind, Holden could thrive this year, making him a solid sleeper pick in deeper leagues.

2012-13

Holden battled injuries last season and may have missed his window to get a look on the Columbus roster, as the club continues to add more youth and talent on the blue line. At best he's a third-pair prospect, but he could yet find a regular gig in the NHL. He saw five games with the Jackets last season, failing to register a point while grabbing nine in 25 games at AHL Springfield.

2011-12

Holden has honed his craft at the AHL level the last few seasons, and is just about ready for a regular role as a stay-at-home NHL defenseman. If he doesn't break camp with Columbus, he'll be the first guy called up when injuries strike.